Patriots Commentary

Patriots Free Agency Outlook – Wide Receivers

Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011

Feb 16, 2016 at 6:26 am ET 6 min read 2.8k views

Photo: Erich Schlegel - USA TODAY Sports

6 min read Patriots Commentary

Marvin Jones

Jones is another Bengal who played with Sanu catching passes from Andy Dalton. The talented wide receiver will turn 26 in March and is coming of a season where he had career highs in catches 65, and yards 816, while scoring 4 touchdowns.

He had a breakout year in 2013 and scored 10 touchdowns but missed all of 2014 with an ankle injury but he rebounded nicely this season and was a big part of the offense behind A.J. Green. He was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft with a pick acquired from the Patriots in the Chad Ocho Cinco trade.

Jones is 6’2, 195 pounds and has surprising toughness while doing the dirty work underneath as the “Z” receiver in the Bengals offense. He also possesses the ability to make people miss and reel in the all-important yards after catch. Jones would be a nice fit in the Patriots offense.

He wouldn’t be the lead guy, that would remain to rest with Edelman or Gronkowski, but he’ll be an outstanding addition to the offense as a whole. He’s looked upon as a receiver with outstanding route running which will resonate with both Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady.

Jones will be looking for money in the $5-6 million-dollar range in free agency this season. Rumors that he was looking for $7 million a year were shot down by him. New England could be an intriguing option for him as he’d get his payday but wouldn’t be thrust in the unknown position of having to be “the guy” in the offense. With Edelman and Gronkowski in the fold, the Patriots would just ask him to do what he already does best. And of course with a chance to get a ring.

Next up…a speedy wide receiver and returner

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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